Memorial flag display and storage case

Abstract

A display and storage case is provided for a memorial flag which is folded into the shape of an isosceles triangle according to military custom. The case includes two frame members, a base plate and a pair of transparent panels which hold the folded flag under compression so that the flag will not sag or unfold while maintained in the case.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In combination: a memorial flag folded into the shape of an isosceles triangle and a display and storage case therefor, said display and storage case comprising: an elongated, flat base plate;   two elongated frame members joined together at one end and having their opposite ends mounted on said base plate,   said frame members being of substantially equal length and forming together with said base plate an isosceles triangular shaped opening of a size which is substantially identical to that of said folded flag,   the inner side wall of each frame member having a pair of elongated, spaced apart, parallel slots formed therein, each one of said slots extending longitudinally along a marginal edge of said frame member;   a pair of substantially rigid, transparent panel members having the same isosceles triangular shape as that of said opening and being of a size which is slightly larger than said opening on two adjacent sides thereof;   said transparent panel members being mounted within said triangular shaped opening with said folded flag therebetween and having each of said larger adjacent sides thereof fitting snugly within one of said pair elongated slots formed in said frame members;   the third side of each transparent panel member resting on said base plate;   the spacing between said pair of elongated slots in each frame member being such that said transparent panel members are separated by a distance which is substantially less than the normal thickness of said flag when loosely folded prior to assembly within said case so that said flag is held under compression between said transparent panel members and maintained in an upright position therebetween without sagging or unfolding under its own weight;   the compressed and folded flag acting as a bias member urging said transparent panel members into sealing engagement with said slots along the edges of said two adjacent sides thereof, prohibiting the ingress of dust, moths and other foreign materials; and   means for removably securing the opposite ends of said frame members to said base plate.   
     
     
       2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the pair of transparent panel members are spaced apart a sufficient distance from one another to compress the loosely folded flag approximately 20 to 25 percent of its thickness prior to assembly in the case. 
     
     
       3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said means for removably securing said base plate comprises a pair of screws passing through the underneath side of said base plate. 
     
     
       4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein said base plate is wider than said two elongated frame members and slightly longer than the distance between the two opposite ends of said frame members. 
     
     
       5. The method of assembling a storage and display case for a memorial flag which has been folded loosely into the shape of an isosceles triangle, said display and storage case including an elongated flat base plate, two elongated frame members of substantially equal length joined together at one end and forming two sides of an isosceles triangle which is substantially identical to that of said folded flag, each of said frame members having a pair of spaced apart, parallel slots within the inner side wall thereof which extend longitudinally along one marginal edge of said frame member and a pair of substantially rigid, transparent panel members having the same isosceles triangular shape but having two adjacent sides which are slightly larger than the isosceles triangle formed by said frame members, the spacing between said pair of elongated slots in each frame member being less than the normal thickness of said flag when loosely folded prior to assembly within said case; said method comprising the steps of: placing each one of said transparent panel members into one of said spaced apart, parallel slots formed along the marginal edge of each frame member providing therebetween an open space for storage of said loosely folded flag, said space being essentially the same size and shape as that of said flag but having a width which is substantially less than the thickness of said folded flag prior to storage;   inserting the loosely folded flag into said open space between said transparent panel members with said flag oriented to coincide with the shape of said opening;   forcing said loosely folded flag into said space so as to compress said flag therebetween until the compressed flag is fully retained between said panel members;   placing said base plate over the opening of said space; and   securing said base plate to the opposite ends of said frame members.   
     
     
       6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the pair of elongated slots in each frame member are spaced apart a sufficient distance from one another to compress the loosely folded flag approximately 20 to 25 percent of its thickness prior to assembly in the case. 
     
     
       7. The method according to claim 5, wherein a pair of screws are passed through the underneath side of said base plate to secure the same to each frame member.